A statement of faith preserved

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Visitors to the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception have taken their toll on Bishop John Quinlan’s grave, but a new graveside plaque helps commemorate the second bishop of Mobile. 
Bishop Quinlan was a native of Ireland and served in Mobile from 1859-1883 and is the only bishop entombed under the Cathedral’s portico. Six other bishops and archbishops are entombed in the Cathedral’s crypt. The top of Bishop Quinlan’s grave had an inscription, but it became impossible to read due to years of foot traffic.
But a marble plaque with that inscription was recently installed in front of the grave, next to the Cathedral’s center entrance, and reads:  
“I live in the faith of the son of God waiting for the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of the great God and our savior Jesus Christ.”
Wondering why Bishop Quinlan is buried under the portico while others are entombed in the Cathedral’s crypt? Well, it depends on the source.
“One story is Bishop Quinlan was buried there because he or others thought it’d be appropriate because he built the portico,” said Msgr. William Skoneki, rector of the Cathedral.
That’s a fact. The current Cathedral building was consecrated for public worship in 1850 when Bishop Michael Portier served. The portico was completed under Bishop Quinlan in 1872-83.
Makes sense, but there’s another tale according to the Cathedral Parish docent guide book. While on his deathbed in New Orleans, Bishop Quinlan allegedly said “They walked on me in life, they can now walk on me in death.” 
Whichever story is meant to be believed, Bishop Quinlan’s message on his grave is deserving of being preserved.
Said Msgr. Skoneki, “It’s a beautiful statement of faith.”